Smartphones That Won't Cost You A Kidney

Paying an arm and a leg for a mobile phone?

Just as it is habit, Apple launched its new 2019 phones and besides the oohs and aahs over the models, the biggest chatter among Malaysians is how expensive the phones are. So, so expensive. But don't forget, even some of the Samsung and Huawei flagship phones can burn a hole in your pocket. Now isn't a mobile phone is just a mobile phone? As long as it works fast, has enough storage for apps and tons of photos, most of us would be happy.

Besides, we think that you should just cut back on expenses and use the money you saved (from buying expensive mobile phones) on better things or towards your retirement fund. While the prices of smartphones have been steadily rising through the years, and the price of a midrange phone can go to RM1,500 nowadays, there are some great devices in that price bracket. With that in mind, we've compiled some of best ones in between RM800 - RM1,500.

Before we move on, it’s important to note that everyone has different priorities or requirements of a mobile phone, and as such, there’s really no right and wrong when it comes to picking the best option for you. This guide only has some current options in this price range, that they are all Android phones (because Apple prices are in a league of their own) and that we've also stuck to smartphones that are officially available in Malaysia. Prices listed are retail prices, although you can probably find slightly cheaper deals from retailers—remember to check if the warranties are covered by local manufacturers, as well.

HONOR View20 and 8X

honor-view-20-8x-8c

For those who are unfamiliar, Honor is a sub-brand of the world’s top three smartphone maker Huawei. No matter the segment of the market they go for – entry-level, mid-range or flagship – their goal is offer killer specs for a ridiculously low price.

Honor View20 : RRP RM1,499

Processor Type: Kirin 980
RAM: 6GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Expendable Storage: Yes, hybrid
Front camera: 25 mega-pixel , F/2.0 aperture
Rear Camera: 48 mega-pixel, F/1.8 aperture
Screen Size: 6.4"
Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
Operating System: Magic UI2.0.1 (Based on Android 9.0)

Honor 8X : RRP RM799

Processor Type: Kirin 710
RAM: 4GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Expendable Storage: Yes, dedicated
Front camera: 16MP, Video: up to 720p
Rear Camera: 20MP+2MP,Video:up to FHD 1080p
Screen Size: 6.5"
Battery Capacity: 3750mAh
Operating System: EMUI 8.2 (Based on Android 8.1)

Huawei Y Max and Nova 4e

huawei-y-max

Huawei Y Max : RRP RM1,299

Processor Type: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
RAM: 4GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Expendable Storage: Yes, dedicated
Front camera: 8 mega-pixel , F/2.0 aperture
Rear Camera: 16 mega-pixel + 2 mega-pixel, F/2.0 + F/2.4 aperture
Screen Size: 7.12"
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Operating System: EMUI 8.2 (Based on Android 8.1)

Huawei-Nova-4e_bg

Huawei Nova 4e : RRP RM999

Processor Type: Kirin 710
RAM: 6GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Expendable Storage: Yes, hybrid
Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.0 aperture
Rear Camera: 24 MP (Wide Angle Lens, f/1.8 aperture) + 8 MP (Ultra Wide Angle Lens) + 2 MP (Bokeh Lens)
Screen Size: 6.15"
Battery Capacity: 3340mAh
Operating System: EMUI 9.0 (Based on Android 9)

Xiaomi Mi 9T

Initially slated to be released internationally as the Pocophone F2 (it’s being sold in China as the Redmi K20), it was launched in Malaysia as the Xiaomi Mi 9T, and offers quite a lot for what it’s priced for. And what about that 20MP pop-up selfie camera?

xiaomi-9t

Xiaomi Mi 9T : RRP RM1,199/RM1,399

Processor Type: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
RAM: 6GB
Internal Storage: 64GB/128GB
Expendable Storage: No
Front camera: 20MP Pop-up selfie camera, f/2.2 aperture
Rear Camera: 48MP ultra high-resolution wide camera, f/1.75 aperture + 8MP telephoto camera, f/2.4 aperture + 13MP ultra 124.8° wide-angle camera, f/2.4aperture
Screen Size: 6.39"
Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
Operating System: MIUI 10

COMING VERY SOON: Samsung Galaxy A50s and A30s

Samsung had announced a major update for their midrange A50 and A30 series last month with the A50s and A30s; meant to come either a visual redesign and a better camera. Both models just received their SIRIM certification and we'll be anxiously waiting to find out the price. The previous A50 and A30 models came in well within our price range here.